The New Zealand Tourism Board has launched an 18-member eco-tourist marketing Nature Network to run alongside its current ‘100% Pure New Zealand’ global campaign.
The network’s activities will focus on the UK market for the next 12 months due to the high level of UK interest in New Zealand’s environment.
NZTB’s nature network marketing co-ordinator Meredith McNab said: “Our marketing activities will include establishing relations with direct-sell agents and New Zealand specialists. We’ll also be working closely with our UK office to ensure that the network is communicating with the market in the most effective manner.”
The network consists of some of New Zealand’s best independent eco-tourist operators, each of whom has paid a £1,000 membership fee for one year.
South Island remains the most popular destination for eco-tourists with half a dozen Nature Network members based in The Otago Peninsula and the city of Dunedin.
The success of the region is largely based on the fact that visitors can view a wide range of wildlife from penguins and albatrosses to fur seals and sea lions close to the city (see story page 60).
n The NZTB has a flyer detailing all Nature Network members. To request a copy, contact the NZTB UK office on Tel: 020-7930 1662; website: www.purenz.com